Gemotions

Chloe felt a burning sensation in her chest as she read the article. Her younger self's silly crushes, her insecurities, her awkward attempts at poetry – all on display. She felt a wave of nausea.

She got up and walked to her bookshelf, pulling down a heavy tome. She settled into her chair, her back ramrod straight. She would not give them what they wanted.

She refused to look at the screen. She settled into the book, her eyes scanning the pages, finding a temporary escape in the intricate plot, the elegant prose. The world could judge her all they wanted. She had no need to participate.